Tec 40

This light provides the highest power-to-weight ratio of any light in its class. Compares to C and D cell lights that are 3 or 4 times larger and heavier. This super-bright halogen flashlight, with a brilliant 296-foot candle-light intensity, is waterproof to 2,000 feet; ideal for scuba diving (not that you would want to do that but handy for streams and snow).

High-visibility yellow plastic casing is easy to see and hard to lose (optional - other body colors available)

Halogen bulb lasts approximately 30 hours before it needs replacing

Twist-activated switch won't accidentally turn and waste batteries

Carrying lanyard has a toggle for securely cinching the cord around your wrist

This thing is a TORCH! If you want to move fast at night and not second guess what you are seeing, this is the light for you. The 4 AA handle fits well in the hand and the lanyard prevents you from losing it if you are tired or fall into a stream. The waterproofness provides peace of mind for snow and water adventures. A nice feature wrt battery usage is that the light stays super bright all the way until the batteries are about dead and then the brightness drops fast (there's no gradual dimming) so you can change batteries and always have great light. Changing batteries in the dark is a snap (provided you already have the replacements in hand and don't have to fumble in your pack!). I usually use this while making my way back to the trailhead at night.

One great benefit with all Princeton Tec products is interchangeable parts. Their 2 AA & 4 AA flashlights / headlamps use the same housings and interchangeable lights whether using a Krypton, Halogen, or LED bulb systems (bulbs need to match power: 2 or 4 AA). If you get the "Sports Flare" you can attach a removable glow-in the dark cone that turns the flashlight into a "lightstick." The 2 AA Sports Flare costs $17.00 at REI, however, I picked up a busted light (broken handle only) and got the removable cone, clear plastic "glass", and light module for $0.63 - what a bargain - only with interchangeable parts!

I also use Priceton Tec headlamps but only the 2 AA variety (Solo & Matrix) as I feel the Vor Tec's 4 AA's on my forehead is a bit heavy ;-)

I really can second John's comments on this brilliant little light. The word TORCH is right on. I generally wear a Princeton Tec Aurora headlamp as the batteries go for a long time but there are times when you are hiking at night when you need something stronger. This little baby fills the bill. You don't have to have it on continuously, just when you really need that TORCH to get the job done. If you are concerned about weight, the Ten Tec has a baby brother, the Ten Tec 20 (two batts) that also is amazing. I'm telling you, this makes a great back up and is good for when the average LED headlamps don't cut it. I love mine.

A bulletproof little light with great output. 100 percent waterproof which makes is great as a dive light. I use this light as my backup light on night dives and have never had trouble keeping it dry or getting it to work.

I've dropped in on concrete and rock numerous times and it still works just as well as the day I bought it.

As a climbing light is isn't as practical with all the head mounted LED's out there now.